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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 246 (Monday, December 23, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 104602-104603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30503]

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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 12609]

Private Sector Participation in Domestic and International Events 
on Spaceflight Safety, Sustainability, and Emerging Markets in Outer 
Space

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of State seeks private sector 
participation in a series of domestic and international events 
promoting the safe and responsible exploration and use of outer space.

DATES: Participants will provide their perspectives on Department 
equities and/or serve as private sector advisors to U.S. delegations to 
one or more workshops, meetings, symposia, and other international 
events related to safety, sustainability, responsible behavior, and 
emerging markets in outer space until December 31, 2025.

ADDRESSES: Solicitations for private sector participation in specific 
events, including event dates and locations, will be posted at least 30 
days prior to the event on https://www.state.gov/remarks-and-releases-bureau-of-oceans-and-international-environmental-and-scientific-affairs/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ryan Guglietta, Lead Foreign Affairs 
Officer, Office of Space Affairs, Bureau of Oceans and International 
Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State, Washington, 
DC 20522, email: [email protected], telephone: 1-202-485-6952.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Participation of the commercial space 
sector, academia and other non-governmental organizations in these 
events will assist the Department of State in fulfilling its 
responsibilities pursuant to the 2020 National Space Policy and the 
2021 United States Space Priorities Framework. Participation from the 
U.S. private sector will also help inform the United States' 
international engagements and provide an opportunity for participants 
to better understand international perspectives on pressing outer space 
issues.
    Events will vary in location and format, to include fully online, 
hybrid, and in-person activities. Short notice modification of plans 
may be required in response to unpredictable factors. Meetings may be 
stand alone or on the margins of related events, which may include, but 
are not limited to, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses 
of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC), 
the UNCOPUOS Legal Subcommittee (LSC), the UNCOPUOS plenary, events 
organized by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, and other 
engagements. There may also be additional opportunities to provide 
expert views related to domestic policies and U.S. positions in other 
international diplomatic fora. Please note the limited number of slots 
for non-USG participation in many events.
    Participants should focus on the following:
    Safety: Identify key safety issues for crewed and/or uncrewed outer 
space operations. Discuss current attempts to address these issues and 
suggest new challenges that may develop as private sector space 
activities advance and evolve.
    Sustainability: Explore efforts to promote sustainable and 
responsible behavior in space. Examine best practices and guidelines 
aimed at safeguarding the outer space environment for future 
exploration and use. In particular, implementation of the 2019 UNCOPUOS 
Long-Term Sustainability (LTS) guidelines and the multi-nation Artemis 
Accords should be considered.
    Emerging Markets: Discuss the challenges to an economically viable 
space industry and how these challenges relate to the domestic 
regulatory and international governance frameworks. Share recent 
advances within the commercial space sector and how they may develop in 
the future. Evaluate how an expanding commercial sector may affect 
equities like terrestrial based astronomy, planetary protection, 
orbital debris mitigation, space resource utilization, and other 
aspects of safe and sustainable operations in outer space.
    Facilitating Private Sector Input: Suggest ways to enhance 
collaboration between the U.S. Government, foreign countries, and 
commercial space

[[Page 104603]]

industry in the development of international best practices and related 
mechanisms, including at the United Nations level. Provide advice on 
methods of improving information sharing and collaboration between 
industry stakeholders and the Department of State to improve bilateral, 
regional, and multilateral diplomacy related to commercial space. Share 
perspectives on the role of U.S. and foreign commercial actors in 
providing greater access to space for emerging spacefaring nations and 
enhancing economic prosperity.

Valda M. Vikmanis-Keller,
Director, Office of Space Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2024-30503 Filed 12-20-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-09-P
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